“It is yet difficult to analyze the situation – not enough information, but one thing clear is that the Valentina Matviyenko’s administrating style does not really provoke to assassination: during her stay as the governor there have been only local conflicts that she has always tried to reduce as fast as possible” – said Director General of the Center for Current Politics in Russia Mikhail Vinogradov, commenting the news about the planning murder attempt on St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko.

“In St. Petersburg attitude to Matviyenko is very variable” – noted Vinogradov adding that such out-of-politics event will likely raise a public reaction and turn the headlight at Matviyenko. “I believe this has been an attempt to cast light on Matviyenko or even a start of her spinning for the presidential race.” It is too early to judge, who has launched this – the governor’s good-wishers or her evil-wishers” – the expert said. According to him, such news do not usually add political points. 

“I haven’t seen Matviyenko trying to support or spin this subject: - Vinogradov noted. “There is no specific information regarding the attempt and we know that the less information there is the bigger is the field for speculations.” 

Russian mass media reported on the prevention of the assassination attempt on the St. Petersburg governor on May 18. On May 19, FSB’s Public Relations Center spread the video footage showing the arrest of two suspects on May 16 and seizure of 500 grams of explosive materials from them and two F1 grenades. The arrest was a result of a joint operation with the Interior Ministry. FSB has launched legal proceedings on Article 30 (preparations for crime), Article 222 (illegal purchase of arms) and Article 277 (murder attempt on a state or public official).

Source: REGNUM, May 21, 2007